11 answers
Francisco
Student
South Bend, Indiana
1
Question
Asked
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What college major would you have picked if not Computer Science-as a tech lover?
Current High School Senior, planning on attending Purdue for CS but would like more guidance. I love building computers, making/playing games, anything tech. I've heard that CS has become a hard field to break into. Is there any major you would've picked/career path to aspire to with these hobbies/likes? Help me learn from your path and mistakes.
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11 answers
Pam Taylor
4
Answers
Orange, California
Updated
Pam’s Answer
I majored in computer science because I found it the most interesting. I also liked computer engineering and mathematics. If I were starting college today, I would consider data science, cyber security, and AI.
Graduating doesn't limit you to programming. Knowing tech and being open to learning lets you shift your career as your interests change. Besides programming, you can explore product planning, program management, and support engineering. Even if a job seems like it needs a different major, you can still move into fields like data science or cyber security if you're interested.
Enjoy the journey. Working in tech is rarely repetitive and very rewarding!
Graduating doesn't limit you to programming. Knowing tech and being open to learning lets you shift your career as your interests change. Besides programming, you can explore product planning, program management, and support engineering. Even if a job seems like it needs a different major, you can still move into fields like data science or cyber security if you're interested.
Enjoy the journey. Working in tech is rarely repetitive and very rewarding!
Natasha Thirsk
Sales Operations
4
Answers
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Natasha’s Answer
Explore these exciting fields: Software Engineering, Information Technology, Data Science, and Mathematics. They are all about programming, solving problems, and thinking analytically. If you're interested in computers, these are excellent paths to consider!
- Business & Management is a fantastic way to learn how companies operate and succeed.
- Hardware Engineering may be specialized, but it helps you develop unique skills.
- Data Science & Analytics provides a crucial base for understanding data and making smart decisions.
- Business & Management is a fantastic way to learn how companies operate and succeed.
- Hardware Engineering may be specialized, but it helps you develop unique skills.
- Data Science & Analytics provides a crucial base for understanding data and making smart decisions.
Carlos Tiburcio
Senior Program Manager
15
Answers
Guadalajara
Updated
Carlos’s Answer
Hi Francisco,
Tech lover here!
I can tell you from my personal experience: like you, I was planning to attend CS back at the time, and when the time came to decide for my bachelors, I was deciding between Electronics Engineering and Software Engineering. At the end I decided to go with Electronics, as I thought that if I understood the underlying mechanisms on how computers work (microprocessors , microcontrollers, etc) then I could understand both worlds, hardware and software.
With time, it showed I have chosen the right decision as I could land as my first job a position at GE Aviation, which implies mainly software modeling for aircraft engines. Due to my background in Electronics and Control Systems, I could understand what I was seeing in the model simulations (like transitory signals, control theory, etc) while I was doing software coding at the same time for engines communications with the cockpit and how the information was presented in the cockpit screens. And that versatility I have of understanding both hardware and software worlds allowed me to have several jobs in diverse industries over the years.
Given the times we live and the advancement in AI, I would advise you to learn about AI, Large Language Models and AI Agents as much as you can, that's where the present and future is. The current trend for example is AI-assisted coding, and AI will be largely used in the future for that. Will be required people that understand AI and can fine-tune the algorithms.
Hope this helps!
Tech lover here!
I can tell you from my personal experience: like you, I was planning to attend CS back at the time, and when the time came to decide for my bachelors, I was deciding between Electronics Engineering and Software Engineering. At the end I decided to go with Electronics, as I thought that if I understood the underlying mechanisms on how computers work (microprocessors , microcontrollers, etc) then I could understand both worlds, hardware and software.
With time, it showed I have chosen the right decision as I could land as my first job a position at GE Aviation, which implies mainly software modeling for aircraft engines. Due to my background in Electronics and Control Systems, I could understand what I was seeing in the model simulations (like transitory signals, control theory, etc) while I was doing software coding at the same time for engines communications with the cockpit and how the information was presented in the cockpit screens. And that versatility I have of understanding both hardware and software worlds allowed me to have several jobs in diverse industries over the years.
Given the times we live and the advancement in AI, I would advise you to learn about AI, Large Language Models and AI Agents as much as you can, that's where the present and future is. The current trend for example is AI-assisted coding, and AI will be largely used in the future for that. Will be required people that understand AI and can fine-tune the algorithms.
Hope this helps!
Diego Alberto Pérez Roncagliolo
Sales & Strategy
2
Answers
Lima, Callao Region, Peru
Updated
Diego Alberto’s Answer
I've spent my career in sales, helping companies and partners create proposals that make their experience better and boost how they use PCs and services. With my background in Industrial Engineering, I've noticed that things like Cybersecurity, AI for productivity, and ways to improve processes are really popular now. I think this trend will continue to grow in the future.
If you're thinking about your career options, there are lots of paths related to Computer Science and development. These areas are always changing, so you'll have fun chances to adapt, learn, explore, and come up with new ideas.
I hope you find this information useful!
As next steps I can encourage you to find some companies in the Computer Science business and investigate what they do, what value they add to their customers.
If you're thinking about your career options, there are lots of paths related to Computer Science and development. These areas are always changing, so you'll have fun chances to adapt, learn, explore, and come up with new ideas.
I hope you find this information useful!
Diego Alberto recommends the following next steps:
Adam Deal
Enterprise Architect
1
Answer
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Adam’s Answer
Hi Francisco,
Congratulations on your acceptance into the CS program at Purdue! That's a fantastic achievement, and it's where I began my journey as well. Although I eventually switched to Computing Infrastructure and Network Engineering Technology at the Purdue Polytechnic Institute (the School of Technology at the time). I liked the broader multi-disciplinary approach of the Polytechnic Institute, and found it aligned better with my hands-on learning style than the more theoretical approach of CS. This program allowed me to continue coding, while also diving into areas like database design, system/network design, electrical engineering technology, and cybersecurity.
College taught me valuable lessons, like being honest about my strengths, figuring out my learning style, and choosing a path that felt right for me—even if it was different from what I initially expected. It took me five years to graduate, but along the way, I explored a variety of fields such as Biology, Accounting, Business Administration, and more. These experiences have been incredibly beneficial in my career, helping me connect with professionals across different industries and offering valuable insights for technology projects.
Breaking into the tech world can be tough, especially during challenging times. When I graduated, the economy was not great, and I started in a tech-adjacent, hourly contractor role. Though this wasn't the job I expected, it was a job in technology, and I loved having the opportunity to prove myself and deliver value. It wasn't easy, but I gradually automated my daily job tasks, which led to a full-time position, and opened doors to new opportunities. Those early connections and experiences paved the way to the job I love today, nearly 20 years later.
So, don't hesitate to explore your passions, even if they're outside of CS. Technology is everywhere, and having skills in other areas can set you apart for internships and future job opportunities. I wish you all the best at Purdue; Boiler Up!
Congratulations on your acceptance into the CS program at Purdue! That's a fantastic achievement, and it's where I began my journey as well. Although I eventually switched to Computing Infrastructure and Network Engineering Technology at the Purdue Polytechnic Institute (the School of Technology at the time). I liked the broader multi-disciplinary approach of the Polytechnic Institute, and found it aligned better with my hands-on learning style than the more theoretical approach of CS. This program allowed me to continue coding, while also diving into areas like database design, system/network design, electrical engineering technology, and cybersecurity.
College taught me valuable lessons, like being honest about my strengths, figuring out my learning style, and choosing a path that felt right for me—even if it was different from what I initially expected. It took me five years to graduate, but along the way, I explored a variety of fields such as Biology, Accounting, Business Administration, and more. These experiences have been incredibly beneficial in my career, helping me connect with professionals across different industries and offering valuable insights for technology projects.
Breaking into the tech world can be tough, especially during challenging times. When I graduated, the economy was not great, and I started in a tech-adjacent, hourly contractor role. Though this wasn't the job I expected, it was a job in technology, and I loved having the opportunity to prove myself and deliver value. It wasn't easy, but I gradually automated my daily job tasks, which led to a full-time position, and opened doors to new opportunities. Those early connections and experiences paved the way to the job I love today, nearly 20 years later.
So, don't hesitate to explore your passions, even if they're outside of CS. Technology is everywhere, and having skills in other areas can set you apart for internships and future job opportunities. I wish you all the best at Purdue; Boiler Up!
Ammar Mandviwala
Software Product Manager
2
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Ammar’s Answer
Consider exploring computer engineering as an exciting alternative to computer science. The main difference is that computer engineering focuses on solving real-world problems with computer and software solutions. If you're eager to make a positive impact on the world and improve people's lives through technology, this could be a great path for you. With AI transforming industries, computer applications are becoming more fascinating and are helping to shape the future.
James Orozco
Security Services Advisor
1
Answer
Ashburn, Virginia
Updated
James’s Answer
Hi Francisco - Looking back, Data Analytics is a great choice. In this field, you get to analyze data, make smart decisions, and solve problems. Understanding and showing data clearly can help in any area. Whether it's in cyber security, where you check traffic patterns for network threats, or in helping leaders decide how to spend their budget wisely, these skills are valuable everywhere.
Justin Oser
Project Manager
2
Answers
El Paso, Texas
Updated
Justin’s Answer
Hi Francisco,
To be honest, my experience has been that if you love technology, there are a lot of different ways to get involved. I majored in economics and after the first part of my career involved program management at a non-profit and Customer Support at a small textbook and software publisher, I was offered an opportunity to be a software implementation project manager because of a project I had participated in at the publisher I worked for.
I've now been a project manager for software implementations for 12 years and over that time, I've accumulated a wealth of knowledge about all kinds of technologies, including cloud-based ERPs and CRMs, and all of the tech tools needed to support these projects.
That's all to say that tech is very important to many different kinds of careers and an unusual path helped me to be more involved in tech than I ever thought I would be.
Best of luck!
To be honest, my experience has been that if you love technology, there are a lot of different ways to get involved. I majored in economics and after the first part of my career involved program management at a non-profit and Customer Support at a small textbook and software publisher, I was offered an opportunity to be a software implementation project manager because of a project I had participated in at the publisher I worked for.
I've now been a project manager for software implementations for 12 years and over that time, I've accumulated a wealth of knowledge about all kinds of technologies, including cloud-based ERPs and CRMs, and all of the tech tools needed to support these projects.
That's all to say that tech is very important to many different kinds of careers and an unusual path helped me to be more involved in tech than I ever thought I would be.
Best of luck!
Serge Khoteev
Solution Architect
2
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Serge’s Answer
Hi Francisco,
CS is getting a reputation as a hard field to break into because it was very hot field with a lot of opportunities for a while and it is saturated with people who chose it just for money. If you truly love to build computers, make games and enthusiastic about tech - don't let these worries turn you away from CS. If you love what you are doing, you will always have advantage over average peers.
I am very happy I learned CS and that helped me have a rewarding career implementing technology for business all over the world. That said, if I could supplement that with other fields - I would add any business-specific field that resonates with me, like finance, supply chain, etc. Or anything organization, communication, management related if you like.
I suggest this because large share of CS graduates will work doing enterprise tech. And in this field, you will find technology problems less challenging. And business problems, organization and human communication problems more challenging. There was, is and will be deficit of talent who can effectively solve both, those who can effectively use ever-changing technology to solve real world problems.
So, if you learn to be a great communicator between tech and business, always focus on solving a real problem, and add your enthusiasm on top - nothing will stop you.
Go on, someone got to do all this technology work and it better be someone who loves the field!
CS is getting a reputation as a hard field to break into because it was very hot field with a lot of opportunities for a while and it is saturated with people who chose it just for money. If you truly love to build computers, make games and enthusiastic about tech - don't let these worries turn you away from CS. If you love what you are doing, you will always have advantage over average peers.
I am very happy I learned CS and that helped me have a rewarding career implementing technology for business all over the world. That said, if I could supplement that with other fields - I would add any business-specific field that resonates with me, like finance, supply chain, etc. Or anything organization, communication, management related if you like.
I suggest this because large share of CS graduates will work doing enterprise tech. And in this field, you will find technology problems less challenging. And business problems, organization and human communication problems more challenging. There was, is and will be deficit of talent who can effectively solve both, those who can effectively use ever-changing technology to solve real world problems.
So, if you learn to be a great communicator between tech and business, always focus on solving a real problem, and add your enthusiasm on top - nothing will stop you.
Go on, someone got to do all this technology work and it better be someone who loves the field!
Thomas Koch
Cybersecurity - SOC Auditor
3
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
I grew up with a love for computers, and with that I always wanted to be a computer engineer. If I didn't do computer science, I imagine I would have gone down this route or something with similar overlap. My advice, explore different classes early on, talk to your professors or students about things that spark your interest, and you may discover a new patch.
Gregory Foster
IT Consultant
1
Answer
Grand Junction, Colorado
Updated
Gregory’s Answer
I really can't think of a job where you wouldn't use technology in some fashion or another. If you decide not to go into computer science I would recommend becoming a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or one of the trades like plumber electrician. These three jobs fields are in demand and will be fore decades to come.